Improved step-ladder



WV inventan C. LONG-ACRE, OF CLEVELAND, OHIO.

` Lem/rs Patent No. 83,291, dazed Voctober 2o, 186s IMPRO'V'ED STEP-LADDER.

*dmc- The Schedule referred to in these Lettera Patent and making part: of the same.

To all whom 'it magy concern Y Be it known that I, M. C. LONGACRE, of Cleveland, county of Cuyahoga, in the State of Ohio, have invented a new and improved Step-Ladder; and I do hereby declare that the following is a full and exact description thereof, reference being had `tothe accompanying drawings, and to the letters of reference marked thereon.

Figure 1 is a side vew'.'

Figure 2 is a front view.

Figure 3 is a horizontal section in the directionof the line a; x, iig. l.

`The nature of this improvement relates to the construction of a step-ladder .that shall be perfectly stiff -in all its parts, and also having abrace from the front ofthe ladder to the support, which secures them firmly together, thus enabling the structure to stand firm, and it may be moved about roughly without endangering the joints, and which will not spring or shake, and is portable.

Io enable others to fully understand this improvement, and by what means the above advantages are accomplished, I will describe its construction.

This ladder is similar to those now in use, consisting of the two uprights A, between which the steps B are secured, and held in place by any suitable means, the legs C, that support the ladder, being hinged to the front of said ladder, as inthe ordinary manner.

The 'uprightsA andv legs C are `provided each With a rib, a. c. These ribs, as shown, are put on the strips A in a curve, the ribs being made thicker near thecentre than at either end, as shown in iig. 2. The object of these ribs is to prevent springing and shaking of said strips; also to aid in strengthening. rlhe steps `B are rovided with a similar rib a" secured b screws P 7 s 1 or otherwise, underneath andnear the front of said steps, and, are designed to strengthen them, and prevent springing Whcn trod upon, or bearing the Weight of a person.

D is a brace, hinged to the support G, a top view being shown in Iig. 3. This brace is provided, at the opposite end, with a metallic plate, b, in which is cut a slot, c. This brace, being provided'wth a slot, is secured, by means of the button d, to the step ofthe ladder, as shown, thus firmly securing and preventing the support C from being pushed or slipped out of place, also holding it so firmly that the ladder can be moved roimd and handled roughly, without injury or damage to said ladder.

When the ladder is not in use, the brace can be folded against the support, and secured by the button e, the brace or support G closing against the steps in the ordinary way, being held by the hook and eye f.

I I are braces for strengthening and sustaining the joints of the ladder.

The ladder possesses, by this method of construction, greater strength, stillness, and durability, and is v but a trifle heavier, than the skeleton ladder in use. Itis, therefore, much safer, because not liable to be thrown down. The shaking or trembling is entirely overcome, which so much endangers the person using the light and weak skeleton ladder.

What I claim as my impnovement, anddesire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

Ihe slotted metallic plate b c, in combination with the hinged brace D, and buttonsd e, when used in connection with a step-ladder, substantially as and for the purpose described.

M. C. LONGAORE.

Witnesses:

GEO. W. TrBBrrTs, GEO. BESTER. 

